Fuel Recommendations
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: I'm lost somewhere in NJ -- can someone please find me?!?!?!?
I used to run premium fuel in every vehicle I owned. Just didn't believe that lower octane was clean enough... turns out I was wrong. The 5.4 is designed to run 87, plain & simple. As long as you don't have any knocking or pinging, you are using the correct fuel. I've even heard that you can fill up at any gas station - even discount "off-brands", but I'm not buying into that yet. Used to stick to Mobil/Exxon. Now I hear that Shell has the better quality fuel (lower methanol/alcohol content, better additives). Shell 87 for me now!
I also use a Chevron brand fuel line cleaner. I get them pretty cheap at Costco, as I feel the only disadvantage in 87 is that it might leave behind a slightly increased amount of deposits than higher octane. Not sure if this is a fact or not, but it's a gut feeling I can't ignore. I researched Chevron cleaner, and it's good stuff. About every 5,000 miles, I drop in a dose.
So after all this babble, the point is yes, 87 is the way to go.
I also use a Chevron brand fuel line cleaner. I get them pretty cheap at Costco, as I feel the only disadvantage in 87 is that it might leave behind a slightly increased amount of deposits than higher octane. Not sure if this is a fact or not, but it's a gut feeling I can't ignore. I researched Chevron cleaner, and it's good stuff. About every 5,000 miles, I drop in a dose.
So after all this babble, the point is yes, 87 is the way to go.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Hilliard, OH
I agree with haroutd. I have heard that only a handful of vehicles in this world really require the higher grades of gas. Even vehicles that recommend premium gas (ie. Volkswagen,etc.) don't really need to have the higher grade. Using the higher grade is going to hit you in the pocket book and is not going to really help you. Stick with 87 grade.
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Virginia
I would have to agree with the 87 octane. I have only had an Expy for about a month now, and have run 87 the entire time. I recently sold my 93 Explorer and it was beginning to need 89 to control the knocking. As for gasoline brands, I generally try to stick with Chevron, Exxon or Shell. I try to avoid Texaco at all costs and generally try to stay away from Citgo. I like the Chevron best, it seems to do well in all my vehicles, especially when you use the 93 octane and a dose of the Techron.
Eric
Eric
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Hotter than Hell Dallas,
87 burns hotter
93 burns colder but with more compression
Depends on your engine and what it wants and weather. There's no difference on the "how clean the gas is". Brand wise depends on how it was refined and how your engine likes it.
Summer I use 89
Winter I use 87
93 burns colder but with more compression
Depends on your engine and what it wants and weather. There's no difference on the "how clean the gas is". Brand wise depends on how it was refined and how your engine likes it.
Summer I use 89
Winter I use 87
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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I run 87 octane about 95% of the time. Out here in Colorado, we get cheated when it comes to octane ratings. Our regular unleaded is only 85 (for the most part). I have run that and when I did....never experienced any negative affects. Can't say what would happen if I used that long term??
Hey tsdrallyer.....how do you like your Bridgestone Revo's? I'm thinking of trying them. I've heard good things about them.
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Hey tsdrallyer.....how do you like your Bridgestone Revo's? I'm thinking of trying them. I've heard good things about them.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Tennessee
Couple of points. You'll only need higher octane when the air is more dense. This is at lower altitudes and lower temperatures. That's why regular is 85 octane in some of the mountain states.
Air is more dense in the summer and less in the winter. Don't believe me? Learn to fly planes.... The more dense the charge air, the more effective compression in the cylinder, meaning you need more resistance to detonation.
Also, only use the recommended octane. If you use higher, the gaas does not burn as efficiently as octane is the measure of the additives that help gasoline's resistance to burning spontaneously (detonation and preignition). I've heard (but can't find published evidence) that running higher-than-needed octane will actually promote deposits on your exhaust valves - which will in turn lead to detonation - requiring, you guessed it! - HIGHER OCTANE to prevent knock.
If your car recommends premium, I'd use it. It might not knock on lower octane, but it's because the computer will retard the timing to keep it from knocking. That costs you horsepower and efficiency.
Air is more dense in the summer and less in the winter. Don't believe me? Learn to fly planes.... The more dense the charge air, the more effective compression in the cylinder, meaning you need more resistance to detonation.
Also, only use the recommended octane. If you use higher, the gaas does not burn as efficiently as octane is the measure of the additives that help gasoline's resistance to burning spontaneously (detonation and preignition). I've heard (but can't find published evidence) that running higher-than-needed octane will actually promote deposits on your exhaust valves - which will in turn lead to detonation - requiring, you guessed it! - HIGHER OCTANE to prevent knock.
If your car recommends premium, I'd use it. It might not knock on lower octane, but it's because the computer will retard the timing to keep it from knocking. That costs you horsepower and efficiency.
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Texas, USA
MM7759
When I'm in CO pulling 5K lbs my Expy doesn't like 85 octane and frequently will make the check engine light come on. You might have the high altitude settings in the ECM to allow for 85. Others will have sluggish acceleration and shifting irregularity with 85 or 86.
The Bridgestone Dueler Revos A/T I have now are the best all round tires I've had in 1.5 million miles of driving on and off road in every kind of weather and surface. Michelins were the best until I tried these and now Michelin is second place.
When I'm in CO pulling 5K lbs my Expy doesn't like 85 octane and frequently will make the check engine light come on. You might have the high altitude settings in the ECM to allow for 85. Others will have sluggish acceleration and shifting irregularity with 85 or 86.
The Bridgestone Dueler Revos A/T I have now are the best all round tires I've had in 1.5 million miles of driving on and off road in every kind of weather and surface. Michelins were the best until I tried these and now Michelin is second place.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 369
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From: Bronx, New York
Originally posted by haroutd
I used to run premium fuel in every vehicle I owned. Just didn't believe that lower octane was clean enough... turns out I was wrong. The 5.4 is designed to run 87, plain & simple. As long as you don't have any knocking or pinging, you are using the correct fuel. I've even heard that you can fill up at any gas station - even discount "off-brands", but I'm not buying into that yet. Used to stick to Mobil/Exxon. Now I hear that Shell has the better quality fuel (lower methanol/alcohol content, better additives). Shell 87 for me now!
I also use a Chevron brand fuel line cleaner. I get them pretty cheap at Costco, as I feel the only disadvantage in 87 is that it might leave behind a slightly increased amount of deposits than higher octane. Not sure if this is a fact or not, but it's a gut feeling I can't ignore. I researched Chevron cleaner, and it's good stuff. About every 5,000 miles, I drop in a dose.
So after all this babble, the point is yes, 87 is the way to go.
I used to run premium fuel in every vehicle I owned. Just didn't believe that lower octane was clean enough... turns out I was wrong. The 5.4 is designed to run 87, plain & simple. As long as you don't have any knocking or pinging, you are using the correct fuel. I've even heard that you can fill up at any gas station - even discount "off-brands", but I'm not buying into that yet. Used to stick to Mobil/Exxon. Now I hear that Shell has the better quality fuel (lower methanol/alcohol content, better additives). Shell 87 for me now!
I also use a Chevron brand fuel line cleaner. I get them pretty cheap at Costco, as I feel the only disadvantage in 87 is that it might leave behind a slightly increased amount of deposits than higher octane. Not sure if this is a fact or not, but it's a gut feeling I can't ignore. I researched Chevron cleaner, and it's good stuff. About every 5,000 miles, I drop in a dose.
So after all this babble, the point is yes, 87 is the way to go.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
I've never towed while using 85 octane. I've only used the 87 when towing!
tsdrallyer....thanks for the feedback on the tires too! I had Michelins on our 2000 EB, and was very pleased with those. Even after about 11K miles on them....the looked like new. However the Revos seem to be much cheaper.....I think I'll give them a try, when I decide to get rid of the stockers!
tsdrallyer....thanks for the feedback on the tires too! I had Michelins on our 2000 EB, and was very pleased with those. Even after about 11K miles on them....the looked like new. However the Revos seem to be much cheaper.....I think I'll give them a try, when I decide to get rid of the stockers!
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
Originally posted by katneric
I like the Chevron best, it seems to do well in all my vehicles, especially when you use the 93 octane and a dose of the Techron.
Eric
I like the Chevron best, it seems to do well in all my vehicles, especially when you use the 93 octane and a dose of the Techron.
Eric
FWIW, all CHevron gas has Techron. It is a "law" that all grades of gas have to have the same additive package.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 719
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From: Long Island USA
Gibsonj,
Welcome. If you did not know you can search previous posts by clicking the "SEARCH" button on the top right hand corner of the page.
That said, click the link below and read the response by WHYFORD and that should put this baby to rest.........
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...=%25252Boctane
Welcome. If you did not know you can search previous posts by clicking the "SEARCH" button on the top right hand corner of the page.
That said, click the link below and read the response by WHYFORD and that should put this baby to rest.........
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...=%25252Boctane
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Originally posted by Monsta
FWIW, all CHevron gas has Techron. It is a "law" that all grades of gas have to have the same additive package.
FWIW, all CHevron gas has Techron. It is a "law" that all grades of gas have to have the same additive package.
Actually, unless this is an unpublished law, all Chevron gas contains Techroline. The Techron is an over the counter additive that is essentially napthalene. I have never heard of Chevron adding Techron to their gas. They may do this and Techron and Techroline are the same thing, but I was referring to the OTC product. I have had pretty good results with "de-knocking" my engine with the stuff. The napthlene burns very clean and hot. If you have ever used a dual fuel Coleman stove, you can really see the difference between using unleaded and napthalene. Do you know if the Techron and Techronline are the same additive?
Eric
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Joined: Jun 2003
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Actually, gasoline additives ARE NOT, decidedly not, the same ... some are minimal (Polybutene Amine) 1970's technology and meet the minimum law, some are much better performing(Polyether Amine). Different brands of fuel may originate at the same refineries, but the additive system and QC (tanks, filters, procedures) vary at retail.
Yes, by law all gasoline in USA has some basic minimum of additive. In some engines, this basic additive still fouls valves and intakes.
Techron (bulk gasoline additive) and Techron concentrate (aftermarket treatment) are related chemically, but are not the "same". Techroline is the older brand of additive system not in use in USA.
The active ingredient in Techron Concentrate is engineered and manufactured by ChevronTexaco. In short, Techron Concentrate is the "original", and still ***unbeatable*** fuel system treatment.
In fact, the automakers use Chevron gasoline with Techron for EPA testing, even though we do not market gasolines in the Midwest (they haul from Louisville KY).
I am a ChE and work for ChevronTexaco (but this is my own post). NOTE: Texaco gasoline outlets/franchises in the USA (only) were sold to Shell in 2001(merger condition).
Yes, by law all gasoline in USA has some basic minimum of additive. In some engines, this basic additive still fouls valves and intakes.
Techron (bulk gasoline additive) and Techron concentrate (aftermarket treatment) are related chemically, but are not the "same". Techroline is the older brand of additive system not in use in USA.
The active ingredient in Techron Concentrate is engineered and manufactured by ChevronTexaco. In short, Techron Concentrate is the "original", and still ***unbeatable*** fuel system treatment.
In fact, the automakers use Chevron gasoline with Techron for EPA testing, even though we do not market gasolines in the Midwest (they haul from Louisville KY).
I am a ChE and work for ChevronTexaco (but this is my own post). NOTE: Texaco gasoline outlets/franchises in the USA (only) were sold to Shell in 2001(merger condition).
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